queens of Egypt had the greatest attention paid to them. They were
more readily obeyed than the kings. It is also related, that the
husbands were in their marriage-contracts, obliged to promise obedience
to their wives; an obedience, which, in our modern times, we are often
obliged to perform, though our wives entered into the promise.

The behavior of Solomon to Pharaoh's daughter is a convincing proof that
more honor and respect was paid to the Egyptian women, than to those of
any other people. Solomon had many other wives besides this princess,
and was married to several of them before her, which, according to the
Jewish law, ought to have entitled them to a preference. But,
notwithstanding this, we hear of no particular palace having been built
for any of the others, nor of the worship of any of their gods having
been introduced into Jerusalem. But a magnificent palace was erected for
Pharaoh's daughter; and she was permitted, though expressly contrary to
the laws of Israel, to worship the gods of her own country.

MODERN EGYPTIAN WOMEN.

The women of modern Egypt are far from being on so respectable a
footing as they were in ancient times, or as the European women are at
present.

In Europe, women act parts of great consequence, and often reign
sovereigns on the world's vast theatre. They influence manners and
morals, and decide on the most important events. The fate of nations is
frequently in their hands.

How different is their situation in Egypt! There they are bound down by
the fetters of slavery, condemned to servitude, and have no influence in
public affairs. Their empire is confined within the walls of the Harem.
There are their graces and charms entombed. The circle of their life
extends not beyond their own family and domestic duties.

Their first care is to educate their children; and a numerous posterity
is their most fervent wish. Mothers always suckle their children. This
is expressly commanded by Mahomet:--"Let the mother suckle her child
full two years, if the child does not quit the breast; but she shall be
permitted to wean it, with the consent of her husband."

The harem is the cradle and school of infancy. The new born feeble being
is not there swaddled and filletted up in a swathe, the source of a
thousand diseases. Laid naked on a mat, exposed in a vast chamber to the
pure air, he breathes freely, and with his delicate limbs sprawls at
pleasure.

The daughter's education is the sam